Wales in the fast Lane of high-speed internet roll-out

Ed Vaizey, the Cultural Minister told the Welsh Affairs committee that in the race for high-speed internet access, Wales is far ahead of many parts of England and Scotland. The minister continued that it is indeed the Welsh Government that is behind the motivation to roll-out high-speed internet in the country and now it has become a destination for inward investment. Despite the interest shown by the leadership of the Scottish Government and the English local authorities in rolling out high-speed internet in their areas, Wales has reached the last phase of high-speed internet roll-out.

The Conservative minister said that for improving the internet access a fair share of UK funding, 56.9 million Pounds, was allocated to Wales and now it is time for Wales to come up with attractive agenda to market inward investment through out the world. If the allocation is calculated in terms of per head of population it will come to 63 Pounds in Wales whereas the English allocation is only 44 Pounds per head.

It is the aim of the Welsh Government to provide businesses and households with high-speed broadband by 2015.The Government’s broadband support scheme provide basic access for everyone and to cover set-up costs, assistance of up to 1,000 Pounds is given.

It is reported to the committee that a small terrain in the most remote parts of Wales may remain uncovered by broadband internet service. Even satellite based broadband won’t be able to provide internet connection there.

Guto Bebb, Conservative Aberconwy MP warned that any delay in the roll-out plan in the Wales would be very serious and disadvantageous since the number of engineers who can do the work is only very limited.

It was submitted by the Welsh Government that job losses would be the result of any failure to provide broadband access. Pointing out the challenge faced in the roll out of broadband in a very large area, it is stated that the plan has to cover both thickly populated areas as well as the thinly populated areas.

Many parts of Wales is not able to attract businesses since it rely on high-bandwidth broadband. As a matter of fact, the regional economic development becomes impossible and it even threatens job opportunities. This lack of capacity to attract business badly affects the digital literacy levels, the growth of new sectors, business creativity and entrepreneurship finally resulting in the backwardness of the country.

Mark William, Democrat MP, said that the maximum possible service was provided to Wales. He also said that Wales has to face many difficulties in the rural areas. Ofcom, the regulator has informed that 19.2% of Gwynedd, 19.6% of Ceredigion and 15% of Powys is yet to be covered by 3G.The committee is aware of the concern regarding the digital divide between England and Wales. Finally he added that it is really frustrating to see the people of Britain debating about super-fast broadband, while others are talking about the challenges of achieving global coverage.